Foldable Display Support Structure for Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flexible displays on electronic devices are vulnerable to damage from external forces due to the lack of rigidity, which can also affect the sensors disposed on the rear of the display.
Innovation Solution
A foldable housing with a flexible display and a support structure that includes areas of varying flexibility, along with a sensing module aligned with an opening to sense light, ensuring protection and functionality of sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a flexible display is applied to achieve a large screen, then the display area is increased, but the display and sensors become vulnerable to damage from external forces due to lack of rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with non-uniform flexibility characteristics - it has a first flexibility in the first area and a second flexibility greater than the first flexibility in the second area. This local differentiation allows the support to provide rigidity where needed while maintaining flexibility where required, resolving the contradiction between large display area and resistance to external force.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure comprises a first support and a second support with different flexibility characteristics, creating a composite structural system. This composite approach combines rigid and flexible elements to simultaneously achieve large display area and protection against external forces.
2Device complexity
If sensors are disposed on the rear of the display to maintain front surface integrity, then the display structure is simplified, but the sensors become exposed to damage from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is positioned between the flexible display and the housing to provide protective support before external forces can reach the display and sensors. This preliminary protection mechanism prevents damage by absorbing or distributing external forces before they affect the vulnerable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure has differentiated flexibility zones that provide appropriate levels of protection to different areas. The first support and second support have different flexibility characteristics, allowing targeted protection of sensors and display areas based on their specific requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a support structure with uniform flexibility is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the structure cannot simultaneously protect rigid and flexible display areas
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is designed with spatially varying flexibility - the first support and second support have different flexibility characteristics tailored to their respective functions. This local quality differentiation enables the structure to adapt to different display areas while maintaining manufacturability through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is divided into separate components (first support and second support) with distinct flexibility characteristics. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying the overall manufacturing process through modular assembly.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides enhanced protection to the flexible display and sensors, maintaining their functionality and integrity even under external forces.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing module accommodated in the housing and including a light receiving sensor at least partially aligned with the opening and configured to sense light passing through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A portable communication device includes: a foldable housing, a flexible display accommodated in the housing and including a first display area that remains substantially flat in a state in which the housing is folded and a second display area that is bendable as the housing is folded, a support located between the flexible display and the housing and including a first area corresponding to the first display area and having a first flexibility and a second area corresponding to the second display area and having a second flexibility greater than the first flexibility, wherein an opening is formed in the first area, and a sensing module accommodated in the housing and including a light receiving sensor at least partially aligned with the opening to sense light passing through the opening.